Experience the Timeless Spirit of Rock Paintings
The Saraakallio rock paintings are located in Laukaa, on the shores of Lake Saraavesi, along ancient travel routes dating back thousands of years.
The 40-meter-high cliff features around 150 rock paintings and their fragments. Saraakallio boasts the largest collection of rock paintings in all of Fennoscandia. The oldest paintings are 7,000 years old, making them thousands of years older than the pyramids of Egypt.
The subjects of the Saraakallio paintings include deer, humans, double boats, handprints, diagonal crosses, horned boat motifs, snakes, double images, zigzags, and geometric patterns. Even those unfamiliar with rock paintings can clearly distinguish 5-6 images, while with practice or on a guided tour, one may identify many more of the paintings.
You can admire the rock paintings from the viewing platform in front of the cliff. The site is accessible by boat, ship, or canoe from the Laukaa harbour.
Saraakallio Viewing Platform and Saraakallio Info Point
In front of the rock paintings, there is a 20-meter-long viewing platform where you can climb up to observe the rock paintings. Ships and boats can dock at the platform, which also has a canoe level. At the Saraakallio Info Point in the Laukaa harbour, you can learn about the rock paintings through pictures and videos.
How to get to Saraakallio?
Saraakallio visits start the Laukaa harbour, from where you can choose different means to get to Saraakallio, by boat, canoe or ship cruises.
- Cruise from Laukaa to the Saraakallio Rock Paintings on Päijänne Cruises Hildén’s ship, boat trips Laukaa harbour – Saraakallio or Jyväskylä – Kuusa
- Rent a Canoe or SUP Board from the Laukaa Harbour Café,
- Guided Canoeing, Rowing, and Boating Trips organized for example by wilderness guide EräKatri, Tavinsulka (Tavinsulka Cultural Heritage sites), wellness and wellness and recreational services HyvänTähen and wilderness guide Erä’s Pete (Facebook-site)
- In Winter, on Foot, Fatbike, or Skis. Visit only when the ice is strong. Check the ice and trail conditions at Fluent Outdoor Laukaa trail info (Saraakallion jäälatu – Saraakallio Ice strail)
Please check the timetables of the ship cruise company and opening hours of the Laukaa harbour café. Guided tours are organized mainly by specific order. Some of the wilderness guides offer weekly or montly visits to Saraakallio Rock Paintings during summer season.
The Fascinating European Rock Art Route
The rock paintings of Saraakallio are part of the Prehistoric Rock Art Trails (PRAT), which is one of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe. PRAT includes nearly 200 rock art sites. The sites have nearly 3.1 million visitors each year. Apart from Saraakallio, also Astuvansalmi Rock paintings from Mikkeli are part of the European Prehistoric Rock Art Trails.
Also Visit
Sarâkallio Center
Take a journey back thousands of years to the ancient nature of Laukaa and the Saraakallio rock paintings. The Sarâkallio Center, located within Psa & Resort Peurunka, offers activities for all ages. Your adventure will be guided by the ancient Laukaa native, Sarâ and her family.
